Roosevelt High School Vocal Music

Parker Haley is an active jazz vocalist, arranger, clinician, and educator currently based in the DFW area, and he is thrilled to be joining the vocal music team at Roosevelt High this year. He recently completed his Master’s in Music at the University of North Texas in the Jazz Voice Area where he was responsible for directing the West End vocal jazz ensemble, teaching private lessons, and numerous administrative duties within the Vocal Jazz area. He has been privileged to perform with the UNT Jazz Singers, the 5 o’clock Lab Band, numerous combos, and has written many arrangements in different settings. 

Prior to his time at UNT, Mr. Haley spent six years teaching middle school and high school vocal music in the Orion School District in northwestern Illinois. During this time, he directed four vocal ensembles, founded the "Syncopation" Vocal Jazz Ensemble, taught private lessons, and coached students to selection in multiple All-State ensembles. A graduate of St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, he received a degree in Music Education with a concentration in Vocal Music while student-directing multiple ensembles and regularly performing on campus and in the Quad City area. When he isn't making music, Mr. Haley loves to spend time with family, including his wife Madison and son Isaiah, play and coach volleyball, and relax with a good cup of coffee."

Alexander Gray is a 2022 Simpson College graduate with degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance. At Simpson, he performed in every opera production leading up to student teaching, all choral ensembles, symphonic band on trumpet, and two orchestra concerts also on trumpet. Prior to living over half his life in Iowa, Mr. Gray grew up in Northwest Indiana where his love for music began.

His mother would not let him listen to rap (while she was around) and he did not discover jazz until he hit double digits, so gospel was his go-to choice, whether it be on the radio, CD’s, or cassette tapes. His fondest memories are his Sundays being completely occupied from 7am to 10pm by the Old Landmark Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Some teachers that have positively shaped his life include Dr. Stephanie Council, Dr. Bernard McDonald, Dr. Mike Eckerty, Dr. Tim McMillan, Dr. Kellie Motter, Professor Bruce Brown, Mr. Cortez Daniel, and Mrs. Sarah Brugman.

For fun, Mr. Gray plays trumpet in the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra, watches or plays sports ball with friends, or takes long walks with or without a beach view.